Arie Luyendyk Jr is doing damage control after getting a lot of heat from the Bachelor Nation for dumping Becca Kufrin on camera.

“I really wanted everyone to know that this was on me,” Arie told Michael Strahan on Good Morning America. “This was my fault, and I felt like filming that would let people know that, that if there were any questions on the breakup, those would be squashed if they saw the breakup. And I wanted her that opportunity, honestly, I wanted her that opportunity to be the potential Bachelorette.”

“I’m very happy for her. I’m happy that she’s going to be able to find her true love through the show,” he added.

“This ending obviously wasn’t perfect and I know it was difficult for a lot of people to swallow, but I’m happy.”

“Becca is going to be the new Bachelorette and I’m very happy for her in that. There’s a happy ending to this story.”